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Some people just don't take to change well. They like it the way it's aways been and when that dynamic is threatened they rebel and repel. Those who are large, seem to be definitely envious, especially those whose insurance won't cover the surgery. They want soooo much to be in your shoes, or for you guys to buddy in the weight loss... but change is happening. It's very difficult for some to be happy for others when the change is that dramatic. Like in divorce... those who used to be friends with the married couple are not split over whom to associate with... no matter how long the friendship. In weight change friendships... many people feel powerful when they believe they one-up someone else by their looks. As if suddenly, that power will either evaporate, or change, or even be transferred. That powerful one, if he/she doesn't know how to deal with that change, will live a life of resentment and that friendship may be doomed. I lost several what I thought were close friends when I started gaining weight. I lost a friend (she and I were pregnant together) and she lost her child. Though we remained somewhat friends during her next pregnancy, she ended up saying something about mine that cut through me like a knife... I asked her to clarify what she meant and she meant what she said and the friendship was over. So, I decided not to tell any of my friends. I'll just say I'm on Atkins or something and that will be that. If for any reason surgery pops-up, I can confidently say, "Of course I didn't have Gastric Bypass Surgery, that's wayyyy too radical for me." No one things of banding first! I could even say that I decided to go to a Nutritionist who put me on a diet, and I joined a gym. I'm not in the mood to be teased or to test their friendships. Maybe I'll come clean in 2 to 3 years, maybe I won't. As for banding surgery being "cheating to lose weight", HA, they don't know. They don't have a clue. Heck, I didn't have a clue and I thought I researched it thoroughly. Good luck everyone and I hope your friendships survive and become renewed. If you need a friend in Pennsylvania, I'm in South Central. Would love to hear from anyone in Maryland, too. Maybe we can be new buddies?
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Banded a week ago and no restriction
Diamondgirl81 replied to anglov's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Since being banded back in December, about 80 percent of my weight loss thus far has been without real restriction. It makes it that much more important to make smart food choices and increase activity levels until you find good restriction. I've copied the link to a nice website that offers great meal ideas for various post-op stages. BariatricEating.com Health & Nutrition - Bariatric recipes But now that you are so newly banded, take it easy and focus on healing. The battle for restriction takes many different forms w/everyone. I had a fill on Thursday and asked for a little extra juice and now I regret it. As frustrating as it is to be too loose, too tight can be down right painful. Best, Lauren -
Any APRIL SLEEVERS? Let me know your progress !
Bridget312001 replied to beachblondeee's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
It's funny how I used to avoid the weight scale at all costs, now I can't stay off it. Sleeved April 8 2013, down 53 lbs. A fellow bariatric surgery friend bought me a pair of size 10 jeans for my birthday and they bloody well fit me. What a fantastic birthday gift! -
Increased Diet and Hunger
LivingFree! replied to newlifesils's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I can totally relate to being a college student! I had my surgery right after I began college for the first time at age 59 and achieved double degrees in Gerontology and Nutrition in 2013! We all have to examine how badly we really want to change our eating habits so that we can enjoy good health and the best quality of life for the rest of our lives. "Life" and its many stressors are always going to be getting in the way--we each have to find our new coping skills. Sure, it's a lot of work and a whole lot of planning. On days when I had a 7am class and knew I also had a 7pm class and wasn't going to be home at any time at all in between, it took a lot of planning to make all of my meals and Snacks for the day to carry with me, but it was important for me that I remain true to my bariatric program. That is a decision only YOU can make. There is always a way if you choose to find one. An old work colleague of mine very early on in my career who became a very respected mentor of mine once said, "People always MAKE TIME for the things they really want to do." I think of that so often when I find myself telling me it's hard, or I can't, or I don't want to do something. For the other posters asking which particular month you start getting more of an appetite back--it doesn't really matter whether it's right after surgery, or month 1, or 4, or 5, or 6, or ?, or never. There is no magic month. What matters is that at every step of your new eating lifestyle, from the day you leave the hospital, you are feeding your body the nutrition it needs. That means when you start eating regular food, it's lean Protein and fresh fruits & veggies, and not the packaged, processed stuff. It's all so overwhelming at the beginning (and for me, frankly, it continued to be for more than a year). The rewards far outweigh the challenges. Most of us have lived lifetimes of crazy unhealthy eating habits that don't just "go away" over night. It takes work and determination, but we have a great tool in the sleeve that we have never had before. We just really have to grasp that IT doesn't do the WORK--WE DO!!! Keep up the good work everyone! -
Well I've made the last step in competing my team for Bariatric Surgery Support and that's reaching out to other people going through same struggle. This is hard for me because I'm so used to doing things on my own. But it's past time to start taking care of me. Just wanted to come in and say 👋 Hello, look around, and get a feel for the forum. I wish all of you the best on your journeys.
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I would suggest reading everything you can, so you can make an informed decision. Obesityhelp.com describes all the different procedure, including Lapband, and there is a book called The Lapband Solution, and another called The Lapband Companion. Both books are available on Amazon.com and are full of information. You don't give up real food forever. Check your insurance first and see if it is covered. Some insurances (mine is Blue Choice) require one 6 month or two 3 month documented dietary weight loss attempts before they will approve you. Mine did and I spent the 6 months going to support groups (you meet people at all stages of pre and post op--good place to learn) buying sampler packs of chewable Vitamins and Calcium (both are required after surgery, as well as B12), and reading online. I have been coming here since November. My insurance criteria for surgery is BMI 40 or more (you can calculate this on obesityhelp.com) and 100 pounds overweight, or BMI 35-39 with one or more co-morbidities (diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint arthritis, sleep apnea, reflux). My BMI was 37-38 and I have everything on the list except diabetes. Most Bariatric groups require an informational seminar after which you have no obligation, but if you choose to have surgery the seminar is required as a first step. If you choose to continue, you will have a consultation with the surgeon, a psych evaluation, and once surgery is approved, a dietary consult on pre and post op food restrictions. I used the dietician for my 6 month diet as well. Different doctors do different things with pre-op diets. Some want a few days, some a few weeks, some a specific diet product, they are all different. My surgeon, if he thinks you may have a fatty liver, will put you on a full liquid diet for two weeks prior to surgery to shrink the liver, and somewhat to jump start your weight loss. I was on it for 3 weeks (I caught a cold and my surgery was postponed a week--not enough time to go off and back on, so I stayed an extra week--lost 25 more pounds after losing 10 on my 6 month diet). After surgery most people do liquids for 2 weeks, then "mushies" or pureed foods for 2 weeks, then solid food. My liquid diet included Protein drinks, milk, juice(diluted 50% with water), fat/sugar free Jello, fa/sugar free popsicles, broths, cream Soups, tea, coffee. The pureed stage I had applesauce, refried Beans, instant mashed potatoes, creamy egg or tuna salad, anything the consistency of apple sauce. Solid foods are a bit trial and error. Some foods will agree with you, others may not. For me bread gets too chewy and sits like a lump, but I can eat croutons on a salad. pizza (I love pizza) dough doesn't agree so much, so I invented a crustless pizza (sauce, turkey pepperoni, peppers, onions, fat free Kraft mozarella in a microwavable disk; heat for a couple minutes and you have the toppings without the dough). I did the same with meatballs (turkey meatballs, spaghetti sauce, parmesan cheese,heat in microwave--either meatball sub without the roll or spaghetti without the noodles). They told us not to have rice and Pasta for a while, but I don't think it is forever. I checked with the dietician and then went to a church spaghetti dinner. I cut up my spaghetti and meatballs like you would for a kid, ate the salad, passed on the roll and dessert. And for drinking, you wait about a half hour to eat after drinking, do not drink with meals, and wait 45 minutes to an hour after a meal to drink. So yes, the way you eat will change, and some of the things you eat will change. The amount of whatever you eat will definitely change, but it is worth it. I have lost an additional 35 lbs since surgery and gone down two clothing sizes for work (I wear scrubs--down from 2x to large). I am hoping also to reduce or eliminate some of the meds I am on. Sorry to run on but there is a lot to know. Check your insurance, talk to your PCP, go to the seminar and support groups, and then decide if this is the way you want to go.
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Support Group Pot Luck - Need Ideas
alex&zsmom replied to Looking Ahead's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Try bariatric foodie, emilybites or the world according to egg face. I can't eat much yet, but they have great ideas! -
Just the thought of it makes me barf
Pandemonium replied to mrshenry's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
No, I've lost 43.4lbs in the past 2.5 months (post-op). The other 78.3lbs were lost in the 5 months pre-surgery when I first joined my bariatric program. That total is for the entire journey. Your pace is pretty much perfect! -
Just the thought of it makes me barf
tahoegirl96118 replied to mrshenry's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Have you tried a protein broth? Bariatric Eating has a lovely broth, mostly clear, with 25g of protein per serving. It's yummy, salty, savory with no "protein shake" smell or taste. Sipping a nice warm beverage might help you get in the protein required. -
Other brands of the Protein chicken Soups I like and used a lot right after surgery - when my tub of unjury arrived and I opened the cannister I just about fell over it smelled so bad - someone here compared another products smell to "my old hamster cage" when she was a kid - omg that cracked me up, but that is exactly what that stuff reminded me of, nasty smell I am the queen of giving away the protein stuff I no longer like or can no longer tolerate at my support group meetings - I had not one taker on the French vanilla flavored Bariatric Advantage Vitamins though lol - just got a room full of sourpuss faces, I think it is a universal yuck on that flavor I used these and still like them. When I could have full liquids I strained the veggies and noodles out and they were satisfying with no hamster cage smell - not as much protein as the Unjury, but a compromise I made. http://www.familybariatric.com/store/product/113/Soup-Homestyle-Chicken-Soup/ http://www.familybariatric.com/store/product/111/Soup-Cream-of-Chicken-w-Veg./
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My First Post (due to feeling very frustrated right now)
JennyBeth replied to timetogetreal's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
What I find to be so frustrating is that a person that has never met you and you sit down for an hour can give a diagnosis like that. That's BS! This whole process is emotional even for someone that doesn't normally wear their emotions on their sleeve (like me). Trust me, I almost verbally assaulted an ultrasound tech today which is not in my character, but this whole hoop-jumping process has gotten me slightly on edge! (Laughing but TOTALLY serious!) I would honestly go for a second psych eval with someone else. Why am I depressed? Duh! Because I'm fat, you idiot! And who doesn't grow up with some form of emotional issues nowadays? That's no reason to make someone start to take anti-depressants unless YOU feel you need them! What a pill-pusher! I do agree that everyone pursuing WLS would benefit from counseling to get to the root of why we overeat, however other than that I wouldn't take one word of what she said to heart. Does she deal with bariatric patients? The person who did my psych eval did and I think that is helpful. -
Where do you find comfort?
susan55063 replied to superbariatricbabe's topic in Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories
I had my surgery August 11th. A word of advice is be patient with yourself in the time after surgery. I know I personally have gone through many changes. I have to say though I do not feel hungry. I still prepare meals for my husband like I always have and it seriously does not bother me. I do read a lot and get bariatric recipes and research healthier choices. I enjoy cooking so that has helped me. I have found though I am moody. Could be all the chemical changes. Just remember rome was not built in a day. Retraining the mind is a big part of this journey In my opinion. I have lost 32 pounds in less than a month. Good luck on your Journey and remember if there are cravings they do past. I have been one of the lucky ones and I really do not at least at this point have a lot of desire for food. -
I had my band on July 14th. And I've already failed with what my nutritionist told me. She was a brand new nutritionist (to this hospital) and I met the girl who was having the band a couple of days after me and we were told completely different things as she had the old nutritionist. I went onto solid but very soft foods in week two as I just knew in myself I'd be fine! And I have been I've got stuck once but that was my own fault and forgot and shoved in another mouthful when I was already full. Before I met the nutritionist the main bariatric nurse said they like people to move onto solids at the rate that the person feels comfortable with whether that's fast or flow! And the nutritionist said 4-5 weeks, stuff that!!!! I also find it so hard to stop at this 'comfortably satisfied point' and instead I end up so full I'm uncomfortable. It's hard to get my head around being full after eating so little and I guess that comes in time! But I'm definitely able to be probably a cup and a half-2 which annoys me. I haven't had a fill and I've only lost 6.5lbs since surgery as I gained a pound and a half at one point but I lost it again. I'm just so frustrated and feel like I'm failing and my band is failing. I had and still do have such high hopes for it. I know people lose weight at different rates but I can't help thinking I'm just not doing as well as I should be!! Although I do compare myself to the people who had similar surgery dates to me and who followed their nutritionists plan and are still on Mushies. Sorry for the rant but if anyone has any advice I'd be so great full!!! X
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Primary Doctor not complying
catherinecaddle posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I live in Fort Lauderdale Florida and Im having a huge problem getting a letter of medical necessity writtem correctly from my Primary care Doctor. I really dont understand him because he was the one that referred me to a Bariatric Doctor for wls. I've done everything that is required of me to get the sleeve. I'm in need of a pcp in Fort Lauderdale or near that accepts Humana so that I can get a letter of medical necessity so that I can have my procedure done. -
I had RNY gastric bypass surgery 4 years ago. Eating lettuce became acceptable after week 9 according to my surgeons directions. But go easy on the salad dressing - go with dressings that have minimal fat and sugar. Chewing is a natural craving and your desire for salad may be related to that craving. Some people experience problems in meeting their daily protein, vitamin and fluid requirements. But it sounds like in your case these problems are extreme and there may be an underlying medical condition that needs to be treated as well. According to the internet: Nausea and vomiting are the most common complaints after bariatric surgery, and they are typically associated with inappropriate diet and noncompliance with a gastroplasty diet (ie, eat undisturbed, chew meticulously, never drink with meals, and wait 2 hours before drinking after solid food is consumed). If these symptoms are associated with epigastric pain, significant dehydration, or not explained by dietary indiscretions, an alternative diagnosis must be explored. One of the most common complications causing nausea and vomiting in gastric bypass patients is anastomotic ulcers, with and without stomal stenosis. Ulceration or stenosis at the gastrojejunostomy of the gastric bypass has a reported incidence of 3% to 20%. Although no unifying explanation for the etiology of anastomotic ulcers exists, most experts agree that the pathogenesis is likely multifactorial. These ulcers are thought to be due to a combination of preserved acid secretion in the pouch, tension from the Roux limb, ischemia from the operation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, and perhaps Helicobacter pylori infection. Evidence suggests that little acid is secreted in the gastric bypass pouch; however, staple line dehiscence may lead to excessive acid bathing of the anastomosis. Treatment for both marginal ulcers and stomal ulcers should include avoidance of NSAIDs, antisecretory therapy with proton-pump inhibitors, and/or sucralfate. In addition, H pylori infection should be identified and treated, if present. So condensing this down general advice (coordinating with your surgical staff) might be to avoid NSAIDs (such as aspirin), use proton pump inhibitors (such as Prilosec) and have yourself tested for Helicobacter pylori infection.
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New here looking for advice
nssmia replied to somegal's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Good for you who in Mexico?. I'm researching Tijuana Bariatric Center with Dr Garcia. I was scheduled for this week. Then decided to wait and see if I can LOSE the 35# with weight watchers . At the end of April if I haven't lost 10 lb I'm seriously looking into the sleeve again sick of being fat. Good luck Sent from my SM-J727V using BariatricPal mobile app -
Hello OHIO !!! I am having Dr. David Shumacher from Kettering Bariatrics, Kettering's Sycamore Hospital. I have gone to the seminar, first physician's visit, exercise physiologist, dietitian, and am scheduled for the psychologist the end of next week. Then paperwork submitted to Anthem BC/BS Blue Preferred for approval. I was told by a RN at Sycamore Hospital that Dr. Shumacher is the best in his field. Wish I could have had this done yesterday !! LOL I am soooo excited about the lifestyle change. I am thrilled to see the OH section here. Sincerely, RainTree Acres
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I have Med Mutual also, but realize that there are LOTS of different plans within their complany. I did my diet with the Bariatric center and that is what they said I had to do for the insurance. You could always call your insurance and ask them to give you the list of their requirements. That might give you some peace of mind. Hope you had a good day at work!
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Donna: I've been posting here for quite a while and most of the stories I've read about Dr. Ortiz have been very good. Haven't read anything about Dr. Aceves. The one thing I have learned is that before you schedule with a Mexican doctor, you need to be absolutely certain that you have a local doctor who can do the fills and any follow-up that you might need. I chose a doctor primarily based on his laproscopic surgical experience and someone who had plenty of Lap Band procedures under his belt. My surgery was supposed to be $18,000 out of pocket expense. However, it covered the surgery, hospital and all that (overnight), plus pre-surgical tests and all fills for 2 years, plus a dietician and exercise physiologist for 2 years, and a clinical psychologist profile and monthly psychologist's group lectures, and monthly dietician group meetings, a newsletter and all the phone calls and doctor's visits that I need for 2 years. It's a comprehensive package and I wouldn't have wanted to do this without it. I knew I had a hiatal hernia, but wasn't sure if I needed gallbladder surgery. The pre-surgical tests bore out the hernia, but ruled out the gallbladder removal necessity. Because I needed the hiatal hernia operation, my insurance, which also had a strong non-bariatric surgery clause, covered part of everything. They wound up paying us back almost $10,000. So that would make it close to what you're husband is willing to cough up. Pardon the expression. Some of the doctors in this area resent people going to Mexico for the initial procedure and they charge $1000 per fill. They don't offer much in the way of other surpport either to people who choose to go to Mexico. I've had 5 or 6 fills since my surgery in September. My doctor insists that we take this slowly and to never cause me the discomfort and possible anguish of an over-fill. When you are paying out of pocket each time for a fill, the conventional wisdom is to get as much as you think you can possibly need so that you don't have to go back soon (and pay again). Some doctors insist on doing floroscopy (like x-rays) during the fill to make sure you are properly adjusted because they are trying to cut down on the over-fill scenario. That machine's usage costs money, although I am not sure if these are the same doctors who charge $1000 per fill and the floroscope is how they justify it. Bottom line of what I'm saying is that you need to be absolutely certain that you have a local doctor who is amenable to doing your follow up care and your fills. And you need to know just exactly what that will cost you. If you have the band and have to go without the proper adjustment, you may as well not have the band. I've typed this quickly because I'm expecting company in a few minutes so I hope it makes sense. Your best feedback about the Mexican connection is from someone who's been there, done that. But I did want to share my personal experience with the outcome of my insurance company's willingness to pay for the hiatal hernia part of the surgery and how it put me in a position to get everything done locally, which is really great. Please keep us posted. I'll sure be thinking about you.
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I bought mine from my surgeon and online at Bariatric Choice. Now that I think about it, my favorite is actually WonderSlim Dark Chocolate that I got from Bariatric Choice. I like it as is or with the addition of PB2.
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These questions are best answered by your bariatric team. Give them a call. Personally speaking: "No" to the gum "Yes" to the tea Wishing you a joyful journey.
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Isqueezed the sleep study in between my last monthly class and my pre options appointment. It was crazy because the sleep study Dr said I didn't need cpap just an oral appliance but the bariatric surgeon insisted. Not sue why I had to have the study... I hate the cpap. It wakes me up constantly with this loud farty noise and thus far I have not woken up feeling at all "well rested and refreshed". The darn thing reports back to headquarters so I must comply. I plan returning it as soon as I can.
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You know seeking Bariatric Surgery has been a good thing,in my life. I gave,me some grooves guys and gals on here, reading most posts brightens my day, I don't feel alone in this endeavor. Although there are other Buckeyes on here, there is nobody I know of in my town doing this. I have 2-3 casual friends who were sleevers several years ago. They are in the background cheering but I don't seem any of them that often. The nearest,Pal,on here is in Zanesville, maybe,60-65 miles SE of here, to be,honest I think,i only heard from her because I was looking for a Mid-Ohio,Bariatric Chapter, there is no such animal. So some of my support comes from on here, you people can understand where I came from, where I'm planning to,go, and why a decision was made for surgery. And if I hit a bump or roadblock in my path, someone here all,iunderstand where outsiders just can't. And occasionally I'm able to help a newbie as I was helped by veterans here. And my depression is leaving, I've overcome my blue dunks and am regaing my,metal health. Bariatric Pal is a 💯 percent win-win for me. 😝 And I'm not scared because I won't face my surgery alone.
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Intimacy / mental health / pre-op thoughts
Creekimp13 replied to jessicasz's topic in The Gals' Room
Research divorce rates after bariatric surgery. 80-85% of couples will split up 2 years after bariatric surgery. Surgeons and psychologists will tell you....surgery can make a good relationship better, and a bad relationship worse. Be prepared for that. -
Too true, too true, but we will do with what tools we have. I just felt bad you weren't given credit for all you have done already. Rather like " If you still think I'm too large, you should have seen where I came from!" GSVguy, I look at my pre surgery pictures,I cry because I didn't realize the size of me I was presenting to the world🌎! And I thought I was looking good, really I did. But out of that train wreck I built and am still building a NEW ME! I am still legally obese at 31.1, almost ready to drop into Overweight, but I started at 52, that is Abundantly Morbid Obesity, probably within death in a couple years if a ❤attack , stroke or cancer didn't carry me off first! That is a very Scary Larry circumstance, Bariatric Surgery was my best hope and almost my last hope, so even on my discouraged days , I might bad-mouth myself but not my surgery! It gave me back hope, I just got to stay the course until I can take a VICTORY Lap. If you have read my past postings you'll notice I haven't always had sunshine , flowers and bluebird singing in the trees. But I will still prevail, I HAVE COME TOO FAR TO JUST COME THIS FAR! I am not a quitter, I am Red-headed, stubborn, and I'm gonna hang around till the finish. If I die in process, so be it, but I WILL HAVE TRIED. And the Gold Ring may still be mine!